One of Argentina’s small towns, El Chalten is a hiker’s paradise and the entry point for trekkers and climbers who come to the Andes range to see Cerro Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre’s spectacular sights. It is situated in Santa Cruz province, at the northern tip of Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, perfect for hiking, camping and exploring the Laguna del Desierto.
Here are a few interesting places to see and go in El Chalten…
Lake Capri: One of the most fantastic hikes near El Chalten, this is a perfect camping site where you can explore lush green forests, small lakes and take adventure treks.
Torre Glacier: This may be a tough trekking tour but you encounter the river on the Tyrolean crossing, walk on ice and climb up slopes.
Huemul Glacier: A little away from Lago del Desierto lies the Huemul Glacier, it can be approached from one of El Chaltén’s most scenic trails. Set amidst a lush green forest, it is one of the world’s most beautiful glaciers.
Hiker’s paradise: El Chaltén is a known gateway to several adventures in the Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, with lakes, streams, mountains and glaciers. Go hiking to Laguna Capri, Laguna de los Tres and Laguna Sucia, Laguna del Desierto, Lake Belgrano and Cerro San Lorenzo. Or boat along the Lake Viedma, ice-hike on the glacier and take walks on the shore.
Get there: You can fly in or take a bus from Buenos Aires, Río Gallegos and El Calafate. Or enter El Chalten from Buenos Aires on the National Route 3.